17324, Gardners, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17324, Gardners, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.56 percent of residents in 17324 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.90 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Carlisle with a distance of 10.67 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Gardners, PA (ZIP Code 17324)

Gardners, Pennsylvania, a charming community nestled in Adams County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, assessing its overall health score requires a critical look at **healthcare access**, especially concerning **transportation** options. This write-up analyzes the available methods for residents of ZIP code 17324 to reach necessary medical services, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, ultimately painting a picture of the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking quality healthcare. Considering a **move to Gardners**? This analysis provides vital insights.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Gardners is, undoubtedly, the automobile. Driving is the dominant mode of **transportation** for residents, with a car being essential for reaching most medical facilities. The primary arteries serving the area are Pennsylvania Route 394, which runs directly through Gardners, and Pennsylvania Route 94, providing access to the north and south. Pennsylvania Route 30, a major east-west thoroughfare, lies a short distance away, offering connections to larger towns and cities.

For routine appointments, residents can expect a relatively short drive to nearby primary care physicians and general practitioners. The WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, a major regional healthcare provider, is approximately a 20–30-minute drive via Route 394 and Route 30. This drive time can fluctuate depending on traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours. Specialty care, however, often necessitates travel to larger cities like Harrisburg or York, extending drive times significantly. These trips, often involving a combination of Route 30 and Interstate 83, could easily consume an hour or more, potentially impacting the timely access to specialist consultations or treatments.

Public transit options in Gardners and the surrounding areas are limited. The rabbittransit, the regional public **transportation** authority, provides bus service, but its routes and frequency are not extensive. Route 27, for example, offers service connecting Gettysburg to Hanover, passing through Gardners. However, the schedule may not align with all appointment times, and the frequency of buses, especially on weekends and evenings, can be sparse. Furthermore, the availability of buses with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations. Confirming the availability of these features on specific routes is essential for those with disabilities.

The rise of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft has provided an alternative **transportation** option. However, their availability in rural areas like Gardners can be unpredictable. While ride-sharing might be an option for occasional trips, reliance on these services for regular healthcare appointments could be problematic due to potential wait times, surge pricing, and the availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate, potentially becoming a financial burden for frequent healthcare visits.

Medical transport services, designed specifically for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs, offer another avenue for **healthcare access**. Companies like CareRide and LifeLion provide non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services. These services typically require advance booking and can be a more costly option than public transit or ride-sharing. However, they offer a vital lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or utilize other forms of **transportation**.

The overall health score for Gardners, PA (17324) regarding **healthcare access** is moderately impacted by **transportation** challenges. While the proximity to WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital offers a degree of convenience, the limited public transit options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose significant hurdles for many residents. The reliance on personal vehicles can be a barrier for those without access to a car or those unable to drive.

For individuals considering a **move to Gardners**, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and **transportation** requirements is paramount. Those with chronic conditions or frequent medical appointments should carefully evaluate the practicality of relying on their own vehicles or the feasibility of utilizing medical transport services. Researching the specific routes and schedules of rabbittransit, along with confirming the availability of ADA-compliant buses, is crucial for those who depend on public transit.

The future of **healthcare access** in Gardners could be improved by exploring initiatives that enhance **transportation** options. This could include advocating for increased public transit frequency and route expansion, particularly to connect Gardners with larger medical centers in Harrisburg and York. Partnerships between local healthcare providers and ride-sharing companies could be explored to offer subsidized **transportation** options for patients.

Furthermore, promoting community-based programs that provide volunteer drivers for medical appointments could address the needs of those who cannot drive and lack access to other forms of **transportation**. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as sidewalks and bike lanes, could also encourage alternative modes of **transportation** for shorter trips, enhancing overall community health and well-being.

In conclusion, while Gardners offers a desirable living environment, the limitations in **transportation** options present challenges to **healthcare access**. Residents must carefully plan their journeys to medical appointments, considering the available resources and potential obstacles. Addressing these **transportation** barriers through innovative solutions and community-driven initiatives is crucial to improving the overall health score and ensuring that all residents of Gardners have equitable access to the healthcare they need. The overall health score, therefore, is a reflection of the balance between the community's strengths and the areas needing improvement, particularly in the realm of **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access**.